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Shipping container information

You‘ll find shipping container information and our frequently asked questions below. Buying a shipping container can be a complex decision. You need to consider what size you need, where it will be located, whether to purchase or hire, and what features will best suit your purpose.
 
We supply shipping containers across New Zealand, including new and used container sales and short to long-term container hire. No matter where you need it, we’ll deliver your container to your site and put it where you need it to go.
 
If you need specific shipping container information or want to arrange a container purchase or hire, feel free to contact our friendly team on 0800 400 400.
logistic worker teamwork working using smartphone calling command order control loading containers at port cargo to trucks for export and import goods.

Shipping Container Information

Containers are classed by grade according to their condition.  A new build container is as new as you can buy in NZ as they are not made here, a new build will be in excellent condition with extra features you cannot get on a used Shipping Container.  Used Shipping containers need closer examination before you make your purchase.  A watertight container in excellent, used condition is classed as B+ Grade this extends to C Grade containers which are in poor used condition.
 
Important: There are no set parameters for grading containers. Never purchase a used container based on its grade. Always follow the tips below.
Go and physically view the container. Inspect what you are buying with your own eyes rather than relying on pictures.
 
Check the roof for rust and dents. Dents hold water and if it doesn’t already, will cause rusting.
 
Check the doors and rubbers to make sure they swing freely and that the door bars operate well. Get this in writing if you cannot view the container. Make sure the door rubbers are secure and check there are no missing pieces.
 
Check the condition of the floor. A container floor is usually 27mm laminated plywood. Forklifts are used to load containers. Sometimes they can get gouged, cracked or have water damage.
 
Check if the container has been repainted. If the container has been painted either inside or outside, then you need to ask why. Usually this would indicate they are hiding something. How rough is the area that’s been painted? Improper rust treatment will lead to further rust. We usually don’t sell repainted containers, we sell them as they are and then paint them to suit the customers colour. 
 
If you cannot view the container, ask for photos. Never buy a used container without seeing photos of the roof, sides, ends, doors and interior including the floor.
There are many container manufacturers around the world, most are very good, some are not so good. A cheap container is likely to be made from cheap materials. Check the following before you buy.
 
Check the tare weight of the container, which is usually found on the right hand door. Tare weight will vary for container size, specifications and manufacture. For example a quality built 20ft Standard (GP) Container should weigh no less than 2100kg. If the container tare weight is under 2100kg then you could have issues with the steel exterior (not Corten), the paint quality (inadequate), and the thickness of the walls. All of these problems lead to rusting and a shorter useful lifespan.
 
If the price is cheap, ask why the container is cheap. There will be a reason, and with containers, you get what you pay for. Buy from reputable suppliers.
 
We have a range of different sized containers available. The common sizes are 10ft, 20ft and 40ft. If you have specific requirements which don’t suit a standard size, we may be able to source or modify a container to suit. Talk to our friendly team and we’ll find a solution for you.
There are a number of ways containers get delivered. Most commonly, they’re transported on hi-ab and side loader trucks and side loader semis. Every site is different. Regardless of whether it’s easy or challenging, talk to our friendly team. We’ll find the best solution for you.
 
Click here to learn more about our Transport process.
Containers are designed to sit on their four corner posts and can twist if not sitting flat. They do not need to be level but each corner needs a near equal share of the load.
 
To avoid moisture getting in from underneath, we recommend the container is placed on pavers or treated timber. You can choose the height to suit, but 3 to 5 centimetres is fine. If the blocks are too high, the step will make access more difficult.
Most shipping containers have vents, however if you are storing wet items, fuels or anything else that can create condensation then you will have this issue. Things to check include whether the container is watertight or whether there are any holes where water can get in.
 
We have tips and tricks we offer our customers when they buy or hire a container and we also sell Desiccant Dry Poles that absorb moisture.
 
Our new build shipping containers come with with factory fitted lock boxes. You are able to buy a special padlock from us for these. Used containers usually do not have these fitted. We can fit a lockbox onsite for extra security on our used Shipping Containers. We sell lock boxes and padlocks separately and we can fit a lock box if required.
Container lifespan is mostly determined by the condition and age of the container when you buy it. If you buy a used, low grade container, it may not last long before maintenance is required. Good used containers can last for more than 10 years before requiring maintenance.
 
New builds with basic maintenance every 10 to 15 years can last longer than 50 years depending where they are and how they’re used.
 
Getting insurance is up to you. Hired containers are in your care from the time it leaves our depot to the time it’s returned. Any damage while in your care falls to you to pay for repairs back to the original delivered condition. We recommend contacting your insurer to discuss options for the container and your contents.
 
If you are looking to ship the container overseas or between the North and South Islands, then it will need to have a current CSC, which is like a car WOF. We have containers that have a current CSC and we can also have used containers certified to order.
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Our sites are based all over New Zealand. Use the links below to find your local branch.

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Aaron MillarAaron Millar
07:12 09 Aug 23
Great experience! Elsie Taitapanui highly recommended to deal with answered all my questions even suggested other options to help me get what I needed! Delivery was quick and easy! Thank you
Vaughan HeeneyVaughan Heeney
10:57 05 Dec 22
Thanks to the team at A1 Napier, we are very pleased with our new container, great service and communication.I highly recommend A1 containers 👍
Debbie HobartDebbie Hobart
05:49 20 Oct 22
Very impressed with the professionalism and follow up from A1 Containers Tauranga. Thank you Elsie for your prompt quote and follow up. Delivery was made within days of placing order. Can't fault the service. Thanks guys will recommend you happily.
Anna LuscombeAnna Luscombe
22:59 12 Oct 22
Couldn’t be happier with delivered product
Paul Warrington-StaatsmannPaul Warrington-Staatsmann
07:12 07 Sep 22
Great people to deal with. Very quick to respond, and friendly helpful people. Will definitely recommend
Tracey MildonTracey Mildon
09:54 31 Aug 22
A1 Containers👍 Top Service Hirini thank you for youre helpfulness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐efficient Service
David le FlemingDavid le Fleming
08:22 28 Jul 22
Really good to deal with gave me a few options and got things going quickly. Local business which hiab the container in place got it lined up and in within short space of time.
Bart ThomsonBart Thomson
22:53 11 Jul 22
My experience with A1 containers has been amazing from start to finish! Thank you loads. Had my container delivered yesterday and super happy - all staff from office to delivery driver been terrific. Thank you loads
Murray ThompsonMurray Thompson
03:57 26 May 22
These guys were extremely polite, professional and helpful. Never did I feel as if I was a nuisance to them. They had a good range of stock and reasonably priced also. I would highly recommend them and use them again should the need arise.
Claire RobertsClaire Roberts
08:35 21 Dec 21
Highly rate A1 Containers Hawkes Bay. Heidi was so friendly and easy to deal with and we received such a high quality, clean container. Cannot recommend enough
Megan DaviesMegan Davies
00:41 01 Oct 21
Heidi and the A1 Containers team were absolutely fantastic from beginning to end!I learnt so much through the process and am so happy with the high quality container and service I received. Thank you for making it all so easy.I highly recommend A1 Containers.
Cherie EteveneauxCherie Eteveneaux
02:29 19 Aug 21
Super service, happy to answer my questions and communication was good. The whole process was made simple. Recommend. Thumbs up to their delivery guys also
Ross ChristensenRoss Christensen
23:57 05 Jul 21
Once again Brett was great to deal with, my container arrived on time and was in as new condition. Pricing is competitive. Highly recommend.Ross Christensen, Fish City Hamilton.
Jo CrabbJo Crabb
23:09 05 Jul 21
Love our container. We’ve got the 8 ft cube. We store flour in it for the bakery, keeps little pests out and flour safe. Brilliant. Service was good, fast and friendly.
Rhys HunterRhys Hunter
23:06 05 Jul 21
Great friendly service, excellent communications and quick and easy to purchase a container. Have bought multiple units over a two year time frame and always a painless experience. - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Owens FlooringOwens Flooring
22:44 05 Jul 21
This is the second time we have used A1 Containers, they deliver everything they say they will. Container was exactly as described and Delivered on time and professionally done so.We can Highly recommend them.
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